Philippians 2: 3 – 4
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Matthew 5: 48
Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
What a crazy thing for Jesus to say!
Proverb 10: 19 – 21
When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable, but one who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is like. . .
Psalm 37: 4
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This certainly sounds like good news to me. You? And yet, I wonder.
1 Peter 1: 23
For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is through the living and abiding word of God.
1 Chronicles 15:13
“It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the Lord our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way.”
Matthew 11: 28 – 30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11: 28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
1 Chronicles 20: 12 & 15
“Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
15 “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude for the battle is not yours but God’s.”
Psalm 25: 4 – 5
Make your ways known to me, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me because you are God, my savior. I wait all day long for you.
Psalm 27: 13 – 14
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Galatians 5: 1
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 6: 7 & 9
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.
Psalm 27: 7 – 9
Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!
Luke 10: 41 – 42
But answering her, the Lord said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and bothered about many things; but only one thing is necessary.
Psalm 22: 24
For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him; but when he cried to Him for help, He heard.
Mark 10: 22
But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.
Mark 10: 17 – 21
As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, ‘DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Do not defraud, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’” And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
Romans 8: 37
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.
1 Kings 17: 8 – 16
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there; behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.” And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in you hand.” But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die.” Then Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first, and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth.’”
Isaiah 16: 5
When oppression and destruction have ceased and enemy raiders have disappeared, then David’s throne will be established by love. From that throne, a faithful king will reign, one who always does what is just and right.
Romans 10: 3
For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
Matthew 6: 5
When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
Matthew 6: 2
So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
Matthew 6: 1
Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
Proverb 23: 9
Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.
Romans 8: 28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
2 Chronicles 7: 15
My eyes shall be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.
Romans 8: 35
Who shall separate us from the love Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Romans 2: 19
[A]nd are confident that you yourself are a guide to people who are blind, a light to those in darkness.
Jude 20 – 21
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
Habakkuk 2: 2
Then the LORD answered me and said, “Write down the vision and inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that one who reads it may run.”
James 4: 2
You don’t have the things you want, because you don’t pray for them.
Acts 18: 6
And when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads! I am clean. From now on I shall go to the Gentiles.”
I received a New Year’s blessing from a friend who wished me the best year of all in 2023. It is a wonderful sentiment, even if not completely unique; and not unique because it is the premier wish we have for our friends. This time, the cherished good sentiment hit me differently. Normally I would simply set my heart in agreement. This time, though, I asked myself what that would mean. Would I make more money, more friends, accomplish some big goal, perform better athletically, feel better physically? What would make 2023 the best year ever? Are you looking for
John 15: 9
Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.
Acts 18: 5
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
Mark 4: 24
And He was saying to them,. . . “By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides.”
Philippians 4: 18
But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied.
Ephesians 1: 20-22
He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church.
Ephesians 2: 6
. . . and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 59: 1 – 2
Behold the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.
Genesis 26: 28 – 29
And they said, “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’”
Psalm 105: 14 -15
He permitted no man to oppress them, and He reproved kings for their sakes: “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.”
Psalm 46: 1 – 3
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.
Isaiah 43: 2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched.
Genesis 12: 3
And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you, I will curse.
Nehemiah 10: 39
Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.
Proverb 2: 6 -7
For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
He is the wisdom and the plan. You are the hands and feet. Let Him instruct you. Then . . .
Psalm 115: 16
The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the sons of mankind.
Proverb 2: 6 -7
For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
Luke 6: 46
And why do you call Me “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?
Luke 6: 7
And the scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely, to see if He healed on the Sabbath.
Luke 6: 12
And it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.
Luke 6: 35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great; and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.
Isaiah 49: 10
They will not hunger or thirst, neither will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water.
John 1: 1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
God is not judgment, anger or correction. He is . . .
1 John 4: 17
By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.
We discover that love abides in us because God abides in us and God is love.
1 John 4: 8
The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
Philippians 2: 9 -10
Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.
Philippians 2: 8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2: 7 [He] emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Jesus was, and is, and always will be. He was with God at the creation of the world. He sat in the high places with God, and He was God. And yet, he emptied Himself of His deity and came to earth in the form of a bond-servant. Why? No one less than the very Son of God was good enough for God to send into the earth for the redemption of each and every one of us. And what
John 14: 13 – 14
And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
Daniel 10: 12
“Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.”
Deuteronomy 1: 21
See, the Lord your God has placed the land before you; go up, take possession, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has spoken to you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
This is the word of the Lord for you today.
Psalm 20: 1
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
Romans 12: 2
Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Matthew 6: 33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.
I hope you enjoyed the healing series from the Word of the Day. I pray you got something out of it. I appreciate, though, that it encompassed much material and requires time to assimilate. Transforming our thoughts doesn’t happen overnight. You can read a scripture, engage with it and then the very next day have your thoughts fly in absolute contradiction to it. That is why we meditate on scriptures and spend time with them. Because there was so much information and so many scriptures, I have created a new tool for you. The entire healing series is now available
Numbers 5: 39
Obey his commands instead of following your own desires and going your own ways, as you are prone to do.
Joshua 14: 7
I returned and gave from my heart a good report, but my brothers who went with me frightened the people and discouraged them.
John 21: 3 – 6
Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are also coming with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish to eat, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find the fish.” So they cast it, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great quantity of fish.
Exodus 22: 29
Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.
Luke 18: 40
Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him.
Hebrews 13: 8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.
Acts 10: 38
You know of Jesus of Nazareth . . . and how He went about . . . healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Hebrews 10: 35
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Revelations 12:11
And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony.
Philippians 4: 6 – 7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Luke 13: 32
“Behold, I am casting out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I reach My goal.”
James 5: 14 – 15
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
Psalm 41: 3
The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; in his illness, you restore him to health.
Did you know that right now, wherever you are . . .
Psalm 30: 2
O Lord my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me.
Acts 2: 23
“With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.”
Luke 8: 46
But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.”
I think we just need to be more stubborn and more determined.
Ezekiel 47: 9
So where the river flows everything will live.
There is a river of life, and it heals and blesses everything it touches.
Proverb 16: 24
Pleasant words are like honey from a honeycomb – sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body.
2 Kings 4: 38 – 41
Elisha now returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. One day as the group of prophets was seated before him, he said to his servant, “Put a large pot on the fire, and make some stew for the rest of the group.” One of the young men went out into the field to gather herbs and came back with a pocketful of wild gourds. He shredded them and put them into the pot without realizing they were poisonous. Some of the stew was served to the men. But after they had eaten a bite or two they cried out, “Man of God, there’s poison in this stew!” So they would not eat it. Elisha said, “Bring me some flour.” Then he threw it into the pot and said, “Now it’s all right; go ahead and eat.” And then it did not harm them.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Galatians 3:13 – 14
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us-for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” – in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Proverb 3: 7 – 8
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
Matthew 4: 23
Jesus was going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Malachi 4: 2
“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.
Matthew 9: 28, 21: 22
And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this? If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
2 Corinthians 9: 6 – 8
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
2 Corinthians 10: 4 – 5
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
. . . all those mental gymnastics, must be brought to kneel at Jesus’ feet.
Luke 6: 12
Now it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray.
Romans 12: 1 – 2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. There are two aspects of these verses that are important for health and healing and they both point to our obligations. The hard truth is that we are responsible for our
Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your moral bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.
Romans 4: 17 – 21
17 (as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you”) in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
18 In hope against hope he believed, in order that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So shall you descendants be.”
19 And without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;
20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,
21 and being fully assure that what He had promised, He was able to perform.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.
Mark 16:17 – 18
And these signs will accompany those who have believed; in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
Mark 11: 23 – 24
“Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, is shall be granted you. “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.
Matthew 21: 21 – 22
“Truly I say to you, if you have faith, and do not doubt, you shall not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the seas,’ it shall happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”
Matthew 18: 19
“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 8:2-3
And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
If you had any doubts about Jesus’ willingness to heal you . . .
Mathew 8:16 -17
And when evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases.”
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore you to health and I will heal you of your wounds.
This verse is special to me among the healing verses and here is why.
Jeremiah 1:12
You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.
God is scanning the whole earth watching and listening for people who will call on His Word.
Isaiah 53: 4-5
Surely our griefs (sickness) He Himself bore, and our sorrows (pains) He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging (stripes) we are healed.
There are reasons for every part of Jesus arrest, sentencing and crucifixion.
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am you God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
You know, I am quite fond of giving you tools, and today’s verse is a strong one. Here is what I want you to do . . .
Proverb 18:20-21
With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit.
There is nothing in God’s Kingdom that is not hinged on our word and His.
2 Kings 20: 5
Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you.”
Proverb 4:20-22
20 My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their whole body.
Psalm 118:17
I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord.
Psalm 107:20
He sent His word and healed them.
In the beginning was the Word . . . and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us
This is my very favorite healing verse. I just love this it.
Psalm 103:1 – 3
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget none of His benefits.
3 Who pardons all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases.
Fully appreciate the benefits.
Psalm 91:16
With a long life I will satisfy him.
Hey, forget this sickness business. Let’s just leave that to the Egyptians. Let’s live in the promise of God, intertwine our lives around Jesus and get full and satisfied. Yeah, I like that!
Job 22:28
You will also decree a thing and it will be established.
This may be the most important verse in the whole series.
1 Kings 8:56
Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.
My Valentine for God Will you please take this heart of mine? Place it in your garden of love; Please water it well with kindness And feed with wisdom from above. Take the ugliness from within, Replace with understanding and light; Then each day bless and hallow it, That it may rest in peace at night. Alma Hopkins I am going to take a pause from our healing scriptures to send you this special Valentine. This is another of those newspaper clippings found recently. There is no telling how long ago this was clipped from the paper or even which
Exodus 23: 26
I will give you long, full lives.
One cannot pray in faith for healing if he has the misconception that God created his sickness.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you many live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding close to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, so that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
Deuteronomy 28: 2,3, 5, 14 – 17, 61 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the Lord your God. 3 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. 5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. 14 And do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. 15 But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God,
Deuteronomy 7:15
“And the Lord will remove from you all sickness; and He will not put on you any of the harmful diseases of Egypt which you have known, but He will lay them on all who hate you.”
God is removing sickness from among us, as He promised to do. Our part in the bargain seems to be listening to His commands and faithfully obeying them.
Exodus 23: 25
But you shall serve the Lord your God and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst.
Do you think it sounds silly to pray about food?
Exodus 15:26
And He said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.”
Job 42: 10
When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes.
I can imagine how little Job wanted to pray for them too. He must have thought some choice things when God told him to pray for those fools. Fortunately, though, Job obeyed.
Habakkuk 2: 2
Write down the vision and inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that one who reads it may run.
Fourteen days later, I reviewed my written goals and realized . . .
1 John 4: 8
God is love.
I believe in love. I believe in a Father who gave His son specifically to save us. It stands to reason, then, that He has plenty of methods in place to assure that people get the chance to meet Jesus.
Colossians 1: 27
For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.
Job 23: 2
If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his throne and talk with him there.
Ephesians 1: 7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Colossians 1: 11
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.
Genesis 40: 8
“Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.”
Genesis 39: 4 – 5
Joseph naturally became quite a favorite with him. Potiphar soon put Joseph in charge of his entire household and entrusted him with all his business dealings. From the day Joseph was put in charge the Lord began to bless Potiphar for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs began to run smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished.
Genesis 39: 2 – 3
The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.
Ephesians 3: 17
And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.
1 Chronicles 28: 9
If you seek Him, He will let you find Him.
Whether you are Jewish, Baptist, Pentecostal or any of a myriad of belief systems, it all comes down to this quite simple principle . . .
Proverb 31: 8 – 9
Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Psalm 63: 1
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee.
Proverb 6: 16
There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven that are disgusting to him.
Joshua 22: 24
“We were worried because of the situation we’re in. We thought sometime in the future your children might say to our children, ‘What relationship do you have with the Lord God of Israel?’”
Psalm 77:6
I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, and my spirit ponders.
Journaling with Jesus is different than the type of journaling most of us learned initially. This type of journaling is actually . . .
Ephesians 3: 16
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3: 14 – 15
When I think of the wisdom and scope of god’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.
Habakkuk 2:2
Then the Lord answered me and said, “Write down the vision and inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that one who reads it may run.”
Matthew 5:16
Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Revelation 21:5
And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
Amongst all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season, I hope you find time to sit and savor all of the beauty of the holiday. Breathe in the aromas, delight in the flavors. Let your eyes feast on the twinkle of lights and colorful decorations. I hope you enjoy every single silly and whimsical delight of this festive time of year. I also pray that you find time to let your spirit drink in the deepest joy and greatest love. I pray that your spirit will be as sensitive and tender as it was when you were a
Proverb 29: 9
When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person, the foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
Psalm 68: 18
He ascends into the heavenly heights, taking his many captured ones with him, leading them in triumphal procession. And gifts were given to men, even the once rebellious, so that they may dwell with Yah.
Ephesians 4: 6
And he is the perfect Father who leads us all, works through us all, and lives in us all!
It is, in fact, the New Covenant in a word . . .
James 5: 14
Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.
James 4: 17
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Proverb 3: 34
God treats the arrogant as they treat others, mocking the mockers, scorning the scornful, but He pours out His grace on the humble.
Proverb 28: 25
An arrogant and greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be blessed and prosper.
Ephesians 3: 12
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.
Jesus is the reason for the season, but . . .
Ephesians 3: 6
And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.
Psalm 27: 14
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.
Psalm 32: 8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.
He must keep an eye on us to make sure we don’t walk off any cliffs.
Proverb 27: 19
As in water a face reflects the face, so the heart of a person reflects the person.
Proverb 3: 27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
I say, let’s give until it feels really good, until we feel the blessing of God ignited within us.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Proverb 18: 2
A fool finds no delight in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Deuteronomy 14: 2
For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
Proverb 26: 23
Like a clay pot covered with cheap silver, so is smooth talk that covers up an evil heart.
Ephesians 5: 20
Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices.
We cannot be both renewed ambassadors of the Messiah and . . .
Matthew 16: 24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Discipleship kinda flies in the face of our individualistic approach to life . . .
Proverb 25: 21 – 22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
He has blanketed us with His grace so . . .
Acts 9: 36
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated means Dorcas); this woman was excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did habitually.
James 1: 22
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.
Acts 9: 1 – 2
Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them in shackles to Jerusalem.
Acts 10: 1 – 3
In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment.
It is interesting to me that there are two stories in the Book of Acts about people receiving visions and . . .
Proverb 24: 17 – 18
Never gloat when your enemy meets disaster, and don’t be quick to rejoice if he falls. For the Lord, who sees your heart, will be displeased with you and will pity your foe.
Romans 8: 2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
2 Corinthians 2: 14
But thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ.
Matthew 28: 19
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
My intention with this Word of the Day is . . .
John 16: 33
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world, [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you].
Proverb 23: 12
Live a more disciplined life, and listen carefully to words of knowledge.
There is so much we could discuss about living a disciplined life . . .
Proverb 1: 8-9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not ignore your mother’s teaching; For they are a graceful wreath for your head and necklaces for your neck.
Why should we go through . . .
Proverb 18: 24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
David had a friend like this . . .
2 Chronicles 11: 16
People from every tribe of Israel who were determined to seek the Lord God of Israel followed the Levitical priests to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord God of their ancestors.
Deuteronomy 15: 10
Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
God wants to bless everything you touch.
Proverb 22: 9
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
If I may, I would also like to be so honest as to say . . .
1 Corinthians 2: 10 – 13
God has revealed those things to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, especially the deep things of God. After all, who knows everything about a person except that person’s own spirit? In the same way, no one has known everything about God except God’s Spirit. Now, we didn’t receive the spirit that belongs to the world. Instead, we received the Spirit who comes from God so that we could know the things which God has freely given us. We don’t speak about these things using teachings that are based on intellectual arguments like people do. Instead, we use the Spirit’s teachings. We explain spiritual things to those who have the Spirit.
1 Kings 3: 3 – 5, 15
Now Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David. . . And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there . . . Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.”
Then Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and made peace offerings, and held a feast for all his servants.
Proverb 20: 28
Good leadership is built on love and truth, for kindness and integrity are what keep leaders in their position of trust.
Leadership is hard . . .
Proverb 20: 19
One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a gossip.
There is a Jewish concept called Loshon hora . . .
Proverb 21: 23
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
I think the secret to guarding one’s mouth is . . .
Philippians 4: 13
I can do all things.
Is God schizophrenic? Does the Bible set up a dichotomy telling us one thing and then the opposite?
Luke 6: 38
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
If you read yesterday’s Word of the Day, you know that . . .
Luke 6: 46
“Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
Jesus doesn’t demand you obey him because he is an egomaniac . . .
Luke 6: 31
Treat people the same way you want them to treat you.
It sounded so simple when we were children . . .
Proverb 20: 27
The spirit God breathed into man is like a living lamp, a shining light, searching into the inner most chamber of our being.
James 1: 22
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.
Each Word of the Day is an invitation to see . . .
Philippians 2: 3 – 4
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Love one another; just as I have loved you.
John 13: 34 – 35
I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”
Psalm 119: 49
Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.
These promises from God . . .
Proverb 19: 5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who declares lies will not escape.
So, the difficulty is not in understanding. I mean face it; this passage is as clear as fine crystal. The hard part is obeying. We are like petulant children. We don’t want to grow up and face the consequences of our actions, so we lie about them.
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.
It sounds like a Hallmark movie . . .
Proverb 12: 15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
Psalm 119: 62
At midnight I rise to thank you.
Do you ever have trouble sleeping?
Proverb 10: 4
Poor is one who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverb 18: 20 – 21
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled – with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. Death and life are in the control of the tongue. Those who indulge in it will eat its fruit.
John 16: 32
Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.
Proverb 14: 7
Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge.
Psalm 91: 1
One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty.
Faith is not making a decision and expecting God to back it. Faith is only found in following Him.
Proverb 10: 22
It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich.
It is the blessing of the Lord which is at work. The blessing of the Lord makes rich!
Proverb 17: 22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
If you want a healthy body, then you need a joyful heart.
Psalm 119:63
Anyone is my brother who fears and trusts the Lord and obeys him.
In these confusing times, it is nice to have theological guidance from the one who is best qualified to teach us, the Lord Himself.
Romans 8: 26
Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
James 5: 13
Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.
Proverb 16: 3 & 9
Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
Proverb 16: 20
One who pays attention to the word will find good, and blessed is one who trusts in the LORD.
Psalm 145: 14
The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.
Hebrews 4: 12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.
Proverb 12: 25
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Instead of being anxious, through prayer, supplication and thanksgiving . . .
Proverb 15: 1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.
Proverb 14: 6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
Proverb 13: 10
Through overconfidence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel.
Proverb 12: 14
A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.
Proverb 11: 17 NIV
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
Proverb 10: 22
It is the Lord’s blessing that makes a person rich, and hard work adds nothing to it.
Proverb 9: 10 – 11
The starting point for acquiring wisdom is to be consumed with awe as you worship Yahweh. To receive the revelation of the Holy One, you must come to the one who has living understanding. Wisdom will extend your life, making every year more fruitful than the one before.
Proverb 8: 32, 35
Now then, sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. For one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.
It is most humbling seeing the kindness and generosity of your blessed and anointed hearts. Christ within you is so evident. As your donations are coming in for the Bike MS event, not only am humbled, but I am also blessed and inspired. I feel more impetus to get out on my bike and do my part for you and for those with MS. I cannot do enough to thank you, but I will do my best. Here I am on a recent ride. This was at my 35 mile rest stop on a 50 mile ride. That is my longest
Proverb 7: 8
Passing through the street near her corner; and he walks along the way to her house.
Proverb 6: 16 – 19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who declares lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.
Galatians 5: 1
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Proverb 5: 1 – 5
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding, so that you may maintain discretion and your lips may comply with knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Proverb 4: 7
The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom; and with all your possessions, acquire understanding.
Proverb 3: 13 – 18
Blessed is a person who finds wisdom, and one who obtains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her produce better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are those who hold on to her.
Proverb 2: 1 – 5
My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom; incline your heart to understanding. For if you cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God.
Proverb 1: 1 – 7
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.
As we pause this weekend to remember and honor those who gave their lives to protect our freedom, let us also remember the one who initially purchased that freedom for us. Love is known by this, that Jesus willingly laid down his life for us (1 John 3: 16) so that we might be free.
John 14: 21
The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.
John 14: 7 – 10
If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own, but the Father, as He remains in Me, does His works.”
Psalm 150
Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Everything that has breath shall praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
James 3: 17
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.
The important lesson from this little example is . . .
Romans 2: 4
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
1 Corinthians 10: 4
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
Let me show you this in a real-world example.
Psalm 149: 6
God’s high and holy praises fill their mouths, for their shouted praises are their weapons of war!
Psalm 62: 1
I wait quietly before God.
One of the most important spiritual lessons I had to learn was . . .
Psalm 61: 1 – 3
O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Psalm 115: 15
May you be blessed of the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.
I have noticed that there is a new expression that has gained much popularity.
1 Corinthians 15: 57
And to God — thanks, to Him who is giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 148: 13 – 14
Let them praise the name of the Lord because his name is high above all others. His glory is above heaven and earth. He has given his people a strong leader, someone praiseworthy for his faithful ones, for the people of Israel, the people who are close to him. Hallelujah!
Mark 16: 15
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
1 Timothy 6: 18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
One might use Christian ethics as a personal morality code, but that does not make us Christians.
1 Corinthians 3: 19 – 20
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless.”
Psalm 147: 10 NIV His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. I don’t know that I have ever seen this verse so clearly before. We see what we are able to see, what our hearts are prepared for. I accuse God of adding things to my Bible that weren’t there previously. It is amazing how you can read the same passage year upon year and then, all of a sudden,
Isaiah 41: 9
I have chosen you and not rejected you.
You gotta love this good news!
Ephesians 4: 11 – 12
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the purpose of equipping of the saints and the building up of the Body of Christ.
Psalm 145: 8
The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
Now isn’t that what you want in a best friend?
Psalm 145: 21
I will praise you, Lord! Let everyone everywhere join me in praising the beautiful Lord of holiness from now through eternity!
Psalm 146: 5
Happy are those who have the God of Jacob to help them and who depend on the Lord their God.
Psalm 145: 6
They tell of the power of your awesome works – and I will proclaim your great deeds.
Philippians 4: 8
Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.
Genesis 37: 5
Then Joseph had a dream.
When you are feeling like life is the pits . . .
Lamentations 3: 41
We raise our heart and hands toward God in heaven.
Imagine my horror when . . .
Psalm 145: 1
I will exalt You, my God, the King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever.
My heart explodes with praise to you! Now and forever my heart bows in worship to you, my King and my God!
John 3: 17
For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.
John 1: 17
For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
Deuteronomy 28: 6
“Blessed will you be when you come in, and blessed will you be when you go out.”
. . . you see Jesus’ fingerprints on the fabric of your life.
Psalm 144: 3
O Lord, what are humans that you should care about them? What are mere mortals that you should think about them?
Genesis 21: 4
Now Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
Genesis 12: 1, 4 – 5 “Go from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you.” So Abram went away as the Lord had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the people which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. We are still talking about getting in the game which is
Genesis 11: 31
Now Terah took his son Abram, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they departed together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran and settled there. The days of Terah were 205 years; and Terah died in Haran.
Jeremiah 29: 11
“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Psalm 143: 10
I just want to obey all you ask of me. So teach me, Lord, for you are my God. Your gracious Spirit is all I need, so lead me on good paths that are pleasing to you, my one and only God!
Acts 1: 3
To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things regarding the kingdom of God.
Jeremiah 29: 12 -14
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes.
Psalm 25: 10
All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
Hebrews 13: 17
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Psalm 142: 1 – 2
I cry out with my voice to the Lord; with my voice I implore the Lord for compassion. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him.
Luke 6: 37
Do not judge.
It is easy to be judgmental. Why? Because people are fallible.
Revelations 12:11
And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony.
John 1: 18
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
Are you as close to the Father as you would like to be?
Luke 6:12
It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.
The reason I chose this verse is because it astounds me that. . .
Psalm 141: 3
Set a guard, Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.
I imagine a cave entrance with a large angel standing watch over it.
Luke 10: 38 – 42
Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. And she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving by myself? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Lamentations 3: 25
The Lord is good to those who await Him, to the person who seeks Him.
What is the motivation for seeking God?
1 Chronicles 28: 9
If you seek Him, He will let you find Him.
Seeking God builds relationship with Jesus and the Spirit.
Philippians 1: 4
[A]lways offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all.
A funny thing happened on the way to a tree.
Psalm 140: 13
Certainly the righteous will give thanks to Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.
That is what is attractive, living, dwelling daily in His presence.
Mark 12: 28
One of the scribes came up and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?”
“Which is the worst sin?”
Psalm 139: 17 – 18
How precious also are Your thoughts for me, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
David was having a grand encounter with God, in a dream
Romans 12: 6, 8
However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly . . . the one who is in leadership, with diligence.
There is such a thing as Biblical Leadership.
Romans 13: 10
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.
1 John 4: 8
God is love.
To say that our Beloved allows evil to befall us is to . . .
Psalm 139: 7
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
I used to be a person who was not good at being alone and I became lonely very easily.
Luke 19: 10
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Matthew 23:27
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
This verse reminds me of someone I once knew. His desk was immaculate; no folders, papers or files upon it, but . . .
Psalm 23: 5 – 6
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, and my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23: 1 – 4
The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 138: 7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will reach out with Your hand . . . and Your right hand will save me.
Mark 15: 46
Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb which had been cut out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
In the attitude of seeking the Lord and reaffirming my devotion to Him . . .
Luke 18: 1
Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged.
Exodus 32: 29
Then Moses said, “Dedicate yourselves today.”
Luke 7: 7
For that reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You.
Psalm 137: 4
How can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?
Matthew 22: 37 – 40
And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 5: 45
… so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Matthew 5: 43 – 44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
1 Corinthians 13: 6-7
(Love) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Psalm 136: 1
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His faithfulness is everlasting.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-5
Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered.
Isaiah 30: 21
Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”
Isaiah 30: 18
Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him.
Isaiah 65: 24
It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.
Psalm 135: 1
Praise the LORD!
Praise the name of the LORD;
Praise Him, you servants of the LORD.
Matthew 20: 12
These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day’s work and the scorching heat.
James 4: 8
Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
I have been trying to answer the question, “Why should we seek the Lord?”
Acts 17: 27
God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.
Psalm 22: 26
The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever!
Psalm 134: 1
Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord.
Psalm 105: 4
Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.
2 Chronicles 15: 12
They entered into the covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and soul.
1 Chronicles 22: 19
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.
Psalm 133
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, as on Aaron’s beard, the oil which ran down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for the Lord commanded the blessing there – life forever.
Isaiah 41: 17
The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the Lord, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them.
Romans 12: 9 – 13
Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Isaiah 32: 17
And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.
Psalm 30: 11 -12
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 132: 7
Let’s go into His dwelling place; let’s worship at His footstool.
1 Peter 2: 4 – 5
And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Romans 8: 26
Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Jude 1: 17 – 21
But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God.
Genesis 1: 2
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Psalm 131: 1 – 3
Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes arrogant; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. I have certainly soothed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child resting against his mother, my soul within me is like a weaned child. Israel, wait for the Lord from this time on and forever.
Luke 22: 26
But it is not this way for you; rather, the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.
Jeremiah 17: 7 – 8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water that extends its roots by a stream, and does not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit. Peace and trust have much to do with one another. I particularly was intrigued by the line that reads, “whose trust is the Lord.” Trust has become a person. It is more
2 Chronicles 32: 1 – 8
. . . And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
2 Thessalonians 3: 16
Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!
Revelation 21: 5
And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
Merry Christmas! Christmas tidings to every one of you. I pray that this Christmas Season will be a warm reminder of why you became a Christian. I pray that your relationship with Christ will be rejuvenated and renewed. It is also my hope that you will receive healing for the stress this year has brought. This arrangement, done by Diane Jones, reminds me that we can arrange our lives and thoughts according to the limitless grace of our dear Lord. Though 2020 handed us many lemons, they can be squeezed and made into lemonade. Diane’s arrangement encourages my spirit
Luke 2: 15 – 20
When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
Luke 2: 8 – 11
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Matthew 2: 11 Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In western culture, the gifts of frankincense and myrrh hardly seem on par with the gift of gold. Is this, then, a dialogue on valuable gifts? Or, perhaps, invaluable gifts? It turns out that historically, frankincense and myrrh were at least as valuable as gold and many historians believe them to have been more valuable than gold. I got this from Dr. Axe regarding these ancient oils. Visit his website at draxe.com. Myrrh is a resin, or sap-like substance, that is one
Psalm 130: 1 – 4
Out of the depths I have cried to You, Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the sound of my pleadings. If You, Lord, were to keep account of guilty deeds, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, so that You may be revered.
Isaiah 7: 14
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel.
Jeremiah 31: 13
Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Isaiah 19: 20
And it will become a sign and a witness to the Lord of armies in the land of Egypt; for they will cry out to the Lord because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will save them.
Matthew 25: 37 – 40
Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’
Psalm 129: 4
The Lord is righteous. He has cut me loose from the ropes that wicked people tied around me.
Psalm 51: 11
Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Psalm 51: 10
Create in me a clean heart, God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
What I hear in this . . .
Psalm 51: 1 – 4
Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithfulness; according to the greatness of Your compassion, wipe out my wrongdoings. Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my wrongdoings, and my sin is constantly before me.
Luke 6: 38
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
Today is giving Tuesday.
Psalm 128: 1 – 2
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the fruit of the labor of your hands, you will be happy and it will go well for you.
Psalm 100: 4
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
Jude 1: 24 – 25
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Psalm 107:20
He sent His word and healed them, and saved them from their destruction.
Psalm 127: 1
Unless the Lord builds a house, they who build it labor in vain.
Matthew 7:24
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves. It you really want to see Christianity in action, here is your verse. Christians are supposed to put the needs of others ahead of their own. We are supposed to consider others as more important than ourselves. That is what Jesus did. He sacrificed his wants and needs for the rest of us. He didn’t want to be crucified. He didn’t want to die. He gave himself for us. We see this in others. I cannot help but think of
Matthew 15: 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the person. Matthew 12:34 You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, express any good things? For the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart. Jesus said that in the last days, wolves would come dressed as sheep so we must be adept at discerning who is of the truth and who is not. Jesus said you would know the wolves (and the sheep) by their fruit. Yesterday, I sent you the test. It comes out of Colossians
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, a heart of compassion, humility, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other.
Psalm 126: 1 – 2 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, it was as if we were dreaming. Then our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with joyful songs. Then the nations said, “The Lord has done spectacular things for them.” I claim this passage on behalf of our generation. We have been challenged. We have a global pandemic which has claimed many lives and upended our lives for most of the year. The weather has been tumultuous, and that is probably an understatement. There have been tornadoes, floods, typhoons, hurricanes, fires, mudslides, earthquakes, unseasonable temperatures
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
This third chapter of Colossians is Paul’s instruction regarding how one’s life changes after accepting Christ.
This is key language, certainly. I have been thinking quite a lot lately about what our faith requires of us. If I call myself a Christian, is there more to it than my salvation?
The clear message from this passage is that our thoughts should be with Christ where he is seated. We should be seeking those things above.
Trusting in God means we remind ourselves of what He has said instead of casually letting thoughts run through our minds. It also means correcting our thinking.
May I suggest, the hour is now. We are in the hour of which John spoke. Do you have any doubt about that? One good thing the year 2020 has done for us, or should have done for us, is to focus us on that which is important. We should have clarity about the focus of our lives.
Yes Lord! Let peace continually reign over the hearts of everyone within the reach of my pen (or computer, as it were.) Grant them . . .
This may be one of the most important devotionals I write all year.
Did you every wonder how the Apostle Paul perceived his mission? In order to complete the race the Lord has set before us, we must understand and accept our personal mission. Paul, in writing to Timothy, tells us wat his was. It is twofold. First is love, second is faith.
I am reminded, today, that psalms are actually songs. As we think about this as music, there is tendency, perhaps, to try to categorize the psalms generally but also this one specifically. One wouldn’t likely call it a ditty, maybe a lament instead. Would you expect this . . .
This verse is for me today. I would like to be this person. Of all the things I think I could change about me, this is one I would like to succeed at. I doubt I am the only person who feels they do not praise the Lord enough or give Him enough thanks.
What struck me about this verse, though, is not the benefit to us as much as the relationship the Father and Son enjoy.
What is a Christian? At one level it is a very easy question to answer. At another level, we believe there is more to being a Christian than merely our beliefs and our confession.
This verse is an important verse for each of us to know and understand. Without it, much of the Bible loses its efficacy. However, with it, the Old Testament is as vibrant and life giving as the New Testament.
What a sad truth this is; we bear the scorn and contempt of a world which has lost faith in the one true God.
I want to tell you a little story today. It seems these days, some of my best moments come when I am riding my bike. Recently, on the night before a scheduled bike ride, I invited God to go on the ride with me the following day. On the day of the ride . . .
You see here a methodology for healing. We’ve a little problem with this today though. We are supposed to be socially distanced from one another. How do we lay hands on the sick when we pray for them?
Taken together we learned, first, that God did not send Jesus into the earth to judge the world. Second, we are told that the Father is not judging anyone Himself. Therefore . . .
I have been riding my bike quite a bit this summer and one interesting observation of note is the number and variety of places I have seen quoted John 3: 16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
As Christians, we have an interesting heritage and lots of homes. Like the Jews we have roots in Jerusalem as our home because we have been adopted into the family of Abraham.
A friend and I were talking yesterday when he said he feels like he has lost a year of his life to Covid. I well imagine a lot of us feel that way. It gave me pause, though, and I have two responses to it.
Who am I, Lord, that you should take notice of me? Who am I that you should care for me when I am just a worm and unworthy? I will tell who I am. I am a worm for whom Jesus bled, suffered, and died.
Today’s verse is the verse I have repeated to myself day after day. I had to have it to hang on to. These are our Father’s own words. He brought them to me.
When we speak of the Lord guarding and protecting us, we often think of the physical protection and security of our bodies and homes. . . it is important to have safeguards for your soul as well.
It is very easy to believe that fullness of joy exists in the Lord’s presence. How could there be anything else? When we work backwards through this verse . . .
We are still learning so much about who (and what) God is. When Moses asked Him who he should say sent him, God said, “I am.”
The keys for national healing is the exact reflection of what we need on a personal level for healing. Let us look at these three important elements to national and personal healing.
My friend, Ann, brought up a really good point recently. She expressed concern over whether we are walking in faith or fear. This is always a good question but especially now during the corona virus situation.
You can appropriate any and all Bible promises, including this from today’s psalm, because they all belong to you.
The psalmist knows that peace, strength, and blessing are in the precepts of the Lord. He finds his strong tower and his shield in the law of God. The statutes of God are not laws to be despised to this psalmist. He understands that God has given the law as a means to aid and protect His loved ones. They are life and healing to those who find them. Today’s verse shows that God’s word is a guiding light.
“The cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. All other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.” As the foundational stone, the integrity of the whole building relies upon the cornerstone. It determines the strength of the whole building.
The entire psalm is two verses and every word is wonderful. Two things struck me, though. First, this psalm is directed towards all nations and all people. Think of that. Imagine all the people of the world praising Yahweh, lauding Him with praise. Is that not a beautiful image? That day will come. We can meditate on it now, rolling that image around in our minds. All the peoples of the world will sing praises to the Lord, our God and we will praise Him in unison, many languages in harmony. Wow!
This is a good psalm and I think you will find comfort in many of its verses. I chose these two verses because they shouted to me about the peace we can find in our Lord.
This is one of the things which has most bothered me about the corona virus outbreak. No nation has had a bigger outbreak than the United States. My thinking is that we ought to fare well because of our God. Let me show you this same verse from the Passion Translation. It reads, “Why should the unbelievers mock us, saying, ‘Where is this God of yours?’” Does that not aggravate you a little? It bothers me a lot. This great nation, established in and by God is struggling with the viral outbreak. Why?
This psalm is about how the earth yielded to the command of the Lord when Israel fled from Egypt. The sea parted, the river stood back, and rocks even produced drinking water. This may be a good meditation for a world overrun by a viral enemy.
This is one of those verses which has different readings in different translations. There are varying nuances on the theme, and you might be interested in reading it in different Bibles. One of the easy ways to do that is to go to Bible Gateway. You can bring up this, or any other passage, in multiple translations at once. I landed here for one simple reason.
Today’s passage shows the characteristics and benefits of a life lived in reverence to the Lord. It describes the life of the person who loves the Lord. Blessing and prosperity adorn his life and he is prosperous in all his ways. It also shows his personality traits, traits which are gained through living enamored with God.
My favorite verse in this psalm is actually verse 10, “The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” That is the verse I intended to use for today’s Word of the Day. I didn’t use it because when I read verse 4 this idea of God’s compassion overtook my mind and heart. I was immediately given to understand that being in the Lord is how we are able to express compassion and to be gracious. Those two traits might not be intrinsic to humans, but we have the ability to express them expansively because He is in us giving life to our mortal bodies. His life within us is filling us with His goodness so that we have His love to share with others. This, the love and compassion of our dear Father, is what the world needs now, most of all.
Melchizedek is an interesting figure. He appeared in Genesis 14: 18 after Abram defeated the three kings. Interestingly, though, Melchizedek is mentioned more often in the New Testament than the Old. When Abram returned from the battle, Melchizedek, the King of Salem and High Priest of God, brought out bread and wine to Abram. Abram, in turn, gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the spoils of war. Very interesting indeed!
There are two aspects of these verses which sing to me. The first is that our Father saves according to His kindness. The second is that our salvation shall be recognized as the grace which comes from the hand of the Lord God, Yahweh, our Father and deliverer.
These two verses capture well how I feel about the coronavirus situation. We have battled it with our human wisdom, yet it seems we are getting nowhere. I appreciate the Herculean efforts researchers and medical personnel are investing in this problem. They truly are heroes. However, despite their tireless efforts, the virus continues to ravage the world. It is truly amazing how it tears through populations. We need intervention, Divine intervention.
Happy Monday all! I pray you are well and longing for a fresh word from the Lord. This psalm is a favorite of mine because it tells of God sending us His Word and the impact it has on human life. The Word heals. Amen.
I have this psalm, specifically verse 20, among the scriptures I give to people when they have need of physical healing. Of course, it is equally applicable to emotional or mental healing as well. I have also used it in the Word of the Day at least 18 times. I believe it has a strong message that will feed life to us. Today, however, I was equally struck by the verses accompanying verse 20 because together they tell a potent story. In context we learn that the people cried out to the Lord in their day of trouble. I cannot think of a period, in my lifetime, when we have been in greater trouble. When the people spoken of in this psalm cried out to the Lord, he saved them from their distress.
Save me, show me your favor, let me find joy, prosperity, happiness and praise. Not a bad prayer, especially when you consider the psalmist asks the Lord to lead him to praise. All these things; favor, salvation, prosperity, etc. ultimately lead us to praise. Don’t you believe that praise, bragging about the great things God is doing in your life, leads to more praise and, subsequently, to more of those great things? The more I focus my mind and words on praise and thanksgiving, the more praise and thanksgiving well up in my heart.
This is a good word and a good reminder. When we sin, it is often with our mouths. I know I need hear these verses routinely to keep me reminded to watch my mouth. I did an entire series on this one little verse once. It is packed with meaning and when you unpack it, you find these are very powerful words. I am sure that Paul did not choose them lightly.
As you may have noticed, I am reading Colossians, the third chapter, and if you look at the digital Bible I am reading from, you will see that almost every verse is highlighted and the only reason it isn’t all highlighted is because I restrained myself. This chapter is a primer for the what the Christian life is to be. Today’s passage really spoke to me and I want to suggest that it is the seminal passage for this time in our history. However, we are so far from this paradigm right now, that I hesitate to speak what alit on my heart as I read it. Then again, many writers of truth have been shouted down throughout history and berated for speaking the truth. Just look at Paul, John and Peter for starters.
We talked about seeking on Monday. Here Paul tells us what else we should seek. So far this year, we have seen that we are to seek the Lord, His strength and His face continually (Psalm 105: 4), His Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6: 33, and now the things which are above. The shorthand is, fix your eyes on Jesus. Keep looking at him because in him is all that matters. All the universe is in him because he is the light, the life and the way.
Well, we certainly did return to our own property and stayed there. 2020 is the year we will not forget. Many people have surrounded themselves with more deep thought and philosophy in the months since the coronavirus invaded our lives than perhaps in entire years. Here is the question, though, what do you want to be able to say in say, 2022 when you look back at this year? Will you be able to say that despite the monumental challenges, the unprecedented impact upon our way of living, that you, none the less, we’re able to come out the other side having gained something important?
Psalm 105: 4 Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually. Perhaps the most important, certainly some of the best advice in the Bible, this verse speaks the essence of the intertwined partnership, a valuable life model. Seeking Yahweh’s face in every event, even in every moment of life establishes a life lived with God Himself. It is the epitome of Christian experience. The keyword in this verse is, “continually.” Seeking God’s face continually implies an action and denotes where our energy is spent. However, the precursor of seeking God’s face is staying our thoughts upon Him. Having
Job 33: 4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Let’s return to the breath. I should have shared this with you long ago. My friend Chuck Goldberg taught me this, so here we go. I have shown you that the Breath of God is the Holy Spirit. Step one complete. Step two – we have talked about the name of God before, Yahweh. Now, Chuck has taught us that the name of God is actually the breath. What? Step three. Okay, so here is the lesson. Divide the name Yahweh
1 Timothy 3: 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Paul, in writing to Timothy, gave direction regarding the qualifications for church leaders. This verse points out one of the requirements, i.e. that he must have a good reputation outside of the church. I don’t know that we discuss these requirements often, in the general church but perhaps we should. Even if you have been privy to the discussions, is a person’s reputation outside the church something often considered? When
John 21: 1 – 8 Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know
John 20: 21 – 22 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Why in the world did Jesus breathe on his disciples? After yesterday’s Word of the Day, I bet you know the answer. Let’s ponder this just a moment though. Yesterday we saw that the breath is the Spirit. We also saw that where this breath is there is life and when there is the absence, there is
Psalm 104: 29 – 30 You hide Your face, they are dismayed; You take away their spirit, they expire and return to their dust. You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the ground. You might not know it to just read these two verses, but they contain a couple of insights into the Divine Trinity and creation. In order to show the revelation which is contained here, let us first read this passage from a different translation. “When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. When you give
Romans 1: 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. Of course these words were written by Paul who was a preacher, like me. He encountered what we all do, the ministry to the saints juxtaposed to the ministry to the non-saved. There is more to this than simply preaching to saved and unsaved. Of course, the message is different when addressed to those who are already saved. Beyond that, though, there is a requirement in this verse of our obligation to the unsaved. The obligation is to the
2 Samuel 22: 31 God’s way is perfect! The promise of the Lord has proven to be true. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him. I really like when the Father starts showing me verse upon verse which combine to illuminate His teaching. Every verse this week has built upon the previous one. It began with “Blessing the Lord” in which we learned that believing God’s promises blesses Him. Today we arrive at a word of assurance. We have been looking at a model for prayer. This model is dependent upon God’s Word and His
Job 22:28 You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and light will shine on your ways. What do you think of when you hear the word “decree?” You probably do not think of the Bible. This verse from Job goes along with yesterday’s Word of the Day. Click Here to go to yesterday’s devotional. This is still about prayer. We are learning that prayer is much more than a laundry list of requests. It also does not equate to begging God to do something for us. Prayer is much more about finding what God
Psalm 103: 20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word! We have talked about prayer a good bit this year and I have tried to introduce you to a prayer model that may be a little different from what we learned as kids. I have also tried to show you the important role that angels and God’s Word play in prayer. This verse fairly shouts. God’s kingdom operates according to His Word and both God and His angels are listening, attentive to the utterance of His Word. Most
Psalm 103: 1 – 5 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. I remember well when it came home to roost in my heart. I was in Florida, getting
Proverb 3: 23 – 24 Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. This is a picture of what Christian life should be. It is a life of peace, tranquility and security. The fully realized Christian is able to lie down and sleep in peace because there is no fear or worry. They enjoy sweet sleep. Good sleep alone is a reason this verse is attractive, but I really like the picture it paints of a
Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. In 2015 I wrote a devotion titled “The Crimson Veil.” The substance of that article is about the effect the blood has on our relationship with the Father. When He looks at us, He looks through a crimson veil, that veil being the blood of Christ. God sees Jesus’ righteousness and worth when He looks at us because He looks through the veil of sacrificial blood. Speaking for myself, that is a powerful image and certainly helps
1 Kings 8:56 Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant. According to all God has promised us, may He be blessed, because He does not fail. This is rich language but more importantly, it is the assurance of God’s promises fulfilled in our lives. What value has the Bible if not to see God, to learn of His ways and promises and to, subsequently, see them fulfilled in our lives? God did
Roman 12: 15 NIV Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. It would be interesting to hear from you as to what this sentiment says to you. It probably says more than seen at first glance. It is also probably appropriate for these times, specifically, because of the wide-spread and varied emotions people are experiencing around the globe. People are facing a wide range of circumstances. The situations and accompanying emotions can even vary by geographic region. What is our response to these changing situations and the real-life consequences? This is the application of
Psalm 102: 12 – 22 But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity. The nations will fear the name of the Lord, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. For the Lord will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Let
Jeremiah 1:12 You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it. I’ve been thinking about prayer a lot lately. I bet I am not alone in that. I stumbled over this scripture today and it got me to thinking again. The best kind of prayer is when we pray God’s words and this verse makes it evident why that is true. Can you even picture that for a moment? Imagine God watching the earth for someone to speak His Word so He can rush in to perform it. Amazing. However, it brings up for me
Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. A friend of mine posted something on Facebook about selflessly caring for others. I was reminded of this verse and found myself wondering if that is a key to self preservation. It set me to thinking. The people I know who are trying to find ways to bless and support others seem to be faring well though this challenging time. Is there something God wanted to do for us that comes through our
Proverb 2: 6 – 7 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright. Do you need wisdom, knowledge or understanding? Well, the Lord, our God, has stored these things for us so that they would be available in our time of need. Now, the real question is, “How do we avail ourselves of these things?” The answer is that you spend time in prayer. God is going to lead you in wisdom and knowledge. That is why he has stored them up; so that He can give them
Matthew 8: 18, 23 – 26 Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to depart to the other side . . . and when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm in the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves; but He himself was asleep. And they came to Him, and awoke Him saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” And He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea;
The observance of Memorial Day is to honor men and women who died in their military service to this country. It is common for us to acknowledge our living veterans too. It is a day for waving the flag and for esprit de corps. Whatever may be wrong with our country, we are still proud to be Americans and humbled by the price so many people have paid for us to get to live the lives we do. Memorial Day is a time for reflection. Even as we express our gratitude to those who fought and died in military service,
Exodus 34: 6 – 7 Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin.” I wrote yesterday of my changing attitudes and if I failed to communicate this, I want to make clear that the only reason there is even a drop of compassion in my body is because our Father is full of loving compassion. He has given me the ability to feel His love and compassion for His
Matthew 12: 7 But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire compassion, and not a sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. Many of you know my background but for those who do not, I was a Political Science major in college. After college I went to law school and got my Juris Doctor degree. I was known in college for my conservative views and argued for small government which should be administered as closely to the people as possible, civil liberties, and privacy. I lean towards the writings of John Locke and away from Thomas Hobbes.
Matthew 6: 33 Amplified Version But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. One of the fundamental principles of faith is to seek God. Seeking God’s face and His presence is never the wrong thing to do but, in this passage, Jesus gave us a more precise instruction. He said to seek the Kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, the two being closely related. Jesus
Matthew 6: 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Last week I wrote to you about Matthew 7: 7 – 12 (See Word of the Day, Fish or Snake, May 15, 2020). The substance of that article was asking and receiving, seeking and finding, knocking and the door being opened. We look for God’s blessing and God is not a man that He would give us a snake if we asked for a fish. He gives good gifts to His beloved. I was out on a bike ride Friday
Psalm 101: 1 – 4 NIV I will sing of your love and justice; to you, LORD, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life – when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil. Most of us
Matthew 7: 7 – 11, 12 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will
Psalm 13 How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing
John 12:32 KJV And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. Jesus was talking about his death and resurrection. His being lifted up on the cross like the serpent being put on the pole in the desert is a sign of salvation. Jesus was also talking about his resurrection and ascension. He was making the point that those acts would be the message that called people to him. That’s not all though, to this day, he is still actively calling all people unto him and that
Romans 12: 10 NKJV Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. I used this quote once before in the last 40 days of this covid conundrum. It is from Thomas Paine who, in another very trying time in American history, penned these words, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” This quote is from December 23, 1776. No doubt the souls of people were sorely tried and some, no doubt, found wanting. Allow me to share more of the quote. He went on to write, “The
Psalm 100 GW Shout happily to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord cheerfully. Come into his presence with a joyful song. Realize that the Lord alone is God. He made us, and we are his. We are his people and the sheep in his care. Enter his gates with a song of thanksgiving. Come into his courtyards with a song of praise. Give thanks to him; praise his name. The Lord is good. His mercy endures forever. His faithfulness endures throughout every generation. Here is an admonition to praise God, sing to Him, serve Him, and
Deuteronomy 5:33 You shall walk in all the way which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess. Let’s go back and reread this verse. It is potent. Here is my takeaway, God’s commandments are meant to prolong our days and bless our way. I was thinking about a different verse which says, He will lead us in the way we should go (Isaiah 48:17) when I had a nudge to go look through a
Exodus 33: 18 “I pray You, show me Your glory!” This is my prayer today. The theme for the National Day of Prayer is “Pray God’s glory across the earth.” Whomever chose the theme for this year must have had divine inspiration because it is the perfect prayer. It is curious that the National theme has a world-wide scope. This isn’t just about praying for our national leaders. It is about praying for God to show up across the whole world. So, what is the glory of the Lord? You may have seen the term “Shekinah Glory” before. The Shekinah
Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Right now, many places in the world appear God forsaken. How do you feel about that statement? What do you think non-believers are thinking now? Do they, or we, see God’s hand? Is He asleep? How do we answer anyone’s doubts, even our own? Stubborn faith is one answer. We choose to believe in love regardless of the current situation. How can this viral disaster occur, and hundreds of
2 Corinthians 9: 6 – 9 NLT Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to
Psalm 99: 4 NLT Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established fairness. You have acted with justice and righteousness throughout Israel. Our God is a God of justice and righteousness, but it must also be noted that He is a God of fairness. Fairness is one of those ideals that gets a bit lost sometimes. Some people say life isn’t meant to be fair. I disagree whole heartedly. Children have a basic sense of fairness. It is one of their measures of life. For some completely bizarre reason, as we grow
Psalm 85:9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Sorry if this seems redundant or is boring but I couldn’t resist this verse after yesterday’s Word of the Day. What struck me about this is that when we live in His saving grace, as we discussed yesterday, then God’s glory shines in our land. If we take a more precise, modern-day language reading of the word “fear” we would render that phrase “revere Him.” We just don’t use the word fear in that context anymore. Therefore, the relationship is that
Psalm 34: 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. I was very surprised today to realize I had not sent this verse. I would have sworn I had. There is never a time when this verse is not appropriate because we all have need of Jesus’ saving grace daily, we have all suffered broken hearts and unfortunately, most of us have experienced at least one time in our lives when we have been crushed in our spirits. What I hear the most in this right now, though, is the high level
Romans 4: 3 For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” So here is my question, would Abraham have become the Father of Israel if He did not believe? He is also called the father of faith. Surely, he would not have won that title without outstanding, radical belief. Question number two, what is the relevance for today? My answer is that I want to be like Abraham. Think of what God asked him to believe. He and his wife were already old. Sarah was infertile as a young woman. Then
Jeremiah 17: 7 – 8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD. “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.” What refreshing and comforting words we receive today from Jeremiah. The person of faith and trust is represented as a tree. Trees live a long time, longer than humans. In the Bible,
Psalm 98: 7 – 9 Let the sea, everything in it, the world, and those who live in it roar like thunder. Let the rivers clap their hands and the mountains sing joyfully in the Lord’s presence. Do you ever wonder what happened the day the Lord died? I mean, if he is the life (John 14: 6) what happened to the world when the life died? And then, did the earth rejoice when he came back to life? Did the animals feel something happening in the earth? Did they hide in their burrows when Jesus died? What about the
Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn.” I journaled this verse recently and learned quite a bit from what the Lord revealed to me. What this verse gives us, God says, is our heritage. We are entitled to His vindication and victory. Here is what God said to me about this verse. I hope you enjoy it. Father, what would you say to me about this verse? “People tend to limit this verse. They rarely address the second part at all. Even the first phrase
Genesis 26: 1, 12 Now there was a famine in the land. Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. And the Lord blessed him. I have been thinking about the economic aspect of this corona virus problem and wanting to write on it. This passage has been running through my mind for a couple of weeks now. It has everything to do with our current economic situation. However, this story about Isaac is one of the Biblical passages which can leave you scratching your head. When Isaac was confronted with a famine, he thought
Matthew 26:53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? Boy, there is a revelation in that scripture. A legion is 6000 and it refers, specifically, to troops, soldiers. Jesus said if he asked the Father, God would put at his disposal more than 72,000 angelic soldiers. Let that one sink in for a moment. Now, what is the power of prayer? One of my friends and colleagues received a question regarding covid-19 and angels. The writer wanted to know what the